Elastic modulus of sintered porous Ti–Si–Zr, using activation by Ti–Si mechanically alloyed powder and TiH2 powder

A novel biomaterial based on Ti–Si–Zr was developed using the sintering process with a composition targeting at a bulk modulus in the same range as that of human bone, i.e. 10–30 GPa. Control of porosity should also be possible to allow for the promotion osseointegration. The sintering procedure involves the use of mechanically alloyed Ti–Si-powder, and TiH2, to promote bonding, but not consolidation. The effect of porosity on the bulk modulus using compression testing is investigated. The influence of sintering temperature, heating rate, and amount and size of the TiH2-activator on porosity are also investigated. The achievable bulk modulus was in the range of 20–55 GPa at porosity levels ranging from 16% to 54%. Porosity had a profound influence on the bulk modulus, and the choice of appropriate processing conditions enables the creation of an engineered porosity and bulk modulus primarily by varying the sintering temperature and the size of the TiH2-powder particles.